Listening to former Google CEO Eric Schmidt talk about machine superintelligence brought out my most basic paternal instincts. Schmidt is one of the smartest guys out there and a philanthropist who’s supported journalism institutions I’ve worked for, among other causes. He’s also a major investor in various AI startups.
Like other experts in discussions I’ve linked to recently, Schmidt believes there is time to implement a regulatory scheme — globally — to contain the existential risks of AGI. He’s not a scaremonger but expresses concern about scenarios whereby terrorists or other “bad actors” get their hands on superintelligent computers and use them for evil purposes.
We humans collectively probably have about five years to get our act together — that is the hopeful news. Some believe AGI will arrive sooner — as soon as next year.
Schmidt believes that the “mutually-assured-destruction” model of containment will be needed, much like the system that has evolved over the past 80 years to prevent nuclear war.
He suspects it may take a Chernobyl-type event to serve as a wake-up call to the public for this to happen politically.
What I meant up top about my paternal instincts is that contemplating the scope of changes AI is going to bring to our lives is scary and sobering. Practically everything we take for granted is going to change. Everyone will be directly affected; there is no escaping this coming alien invasion.
I don’t know whether I’m going to be around when this revolution with its massive dislocations begins and I don’t know how those I love will cope with or without me. As a parent, I’ve long lived with the illusion that I can mitigate against at least some of the risks facing my children in this chaotic world.
“Look both ways when crossing the street,” I pleaded when they were young. “Fasten your seatbelt.” “Don’t let your friends drive when they’ve been drinking.” “Avoid dangerous locations after dark.” And on and on. You get the idea.
But nothing in the way of cautionary advice I can offer will prepare them for AGI.
And that is the scariest thing of all.
To contact your Congressional representatives about regulating AI, click on these links for your contact information in the House or the Senate.
Listen to this report:
Ex-Google CEO: What Artificial Superintelligence Will Actually Look Like w/ Eric Schmidt (YouTube)
(Thanks once again to my friend and AI researcher John Jameson for alerting me to Schmidt’s podcast.)
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